It’s not every day that a yacht-charter company renews its fleet of available boats all around the world—but that’s exactly what Dream Yacht Worldwide has done in the Caribbean and beyond, adding dozens of new yachts to its 40 bases all around the globe.
“This fleet update represents a significant step forward,” says Loïc Bonnet, founder of Dream Yacht Worldwide. “It has been several years since we have undertaken a renewal on such a scale, integrating the latest boat models with premium equipment, to guarantee our customers an exceptional experience at sea.”
In the Bahamas and British Virgin Islands—which sit at the top of many American sailors’ lists for must-visit cruising destinations—the new models include Bali’s 4.4, 4.6 and 5.4, Fountaine Pajot’s Isla 40, Lagoon’s 42, the Dufour 390, and Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey 410.
There’s a lot to like about all these models, which include catamarans and monohulls alike. They give charter clients the kinds of modern amenities and features that make cruising a true home-away-from-home experience, as well as an exhilarating ride out on the water.
Aboard the Bali 5.4, for instance, the flybridge has cushioned wraparound seating in addition to a large sun bed. Side decks are wide for easy transit around the boat, and handling is made easier by a self-tacking jib and large electric winches. On the main deck, a tilt-open door creates a true indoor-outdoor entertainment space, allowing for an open-air experience at the push of a button.
On Fountaine Pajot’s Isla 40, just some of the modern amenities include a dinette with wraparound seating in the cockpit, along with wide transom steps that make it easier to get into the water (and to step off the boat for some fun ashore). Forward, there are sun loungers for catching the rays by day or for stargazing at night. In the salon, 360-degree panoramic windows and overhead skylights make the space feel bright and open, even at times when charter clients want to relax and rejuvenate inside.
The Lagoon 42 also is chockablock with creature comforts and smart features. Experienced sailors might notice that the rig is moved farther aft, and that the boat has a high-aspect mainsail and self-tacking jib, enhancing performance and making handling easier in all conditions. For those who simply want to chill on board, there’s a sunbathing lounge on the coachroof. In the cockpit aft, the platform and transom steps have been widened to allow even more room for leisure activities and relaxation.
These and all the other newly added boats are kept at Dream Yacht bases, which comprise the largest network of charter destinations in the world.
Infrastructure in the Bahamas is looking particularly spiffy for the upcoming season, having been repaired following Hurricane Dorian in 2019. More and more boaters are returning to the hard-hit Abacos archipelago in the Bahamas while continuing to enjoy the quiet island chain of the Exumas. The beach bars and restaurants are once again a super-fun scene, with locals eager to extend a warm smile, a soothing rum cocktail, and some zesty conch fritters.
For this winter’s charter season, there’s also news in the French West Indies, which is the part of the Caribbean that includes the island of St. Martin: Dream Yacht Worldwide has moved 30 new yachts into the region to accommodate an increase in inquiries. That means even more islands that can be explored with unmatched creature comforts and amenities, from the spectacular shopping and dining on St. Barts to the quiet outposts and pink-sand beaches on Anguilla.
Also notable is the option to book by-the-cabin itineraries with Dream Yacht Charter. While passionate sailors might prefer to be at the helm themselves, cabin charters are a great option for solo travelers or couples who want to be out on the water, doing watersports, and relaxing—while a crew does the rest of the work.
“If you’ve never spent an extended period of time on a sailing vessel, a cabin charter might be a good way to see how you feel about being so close to nature and out on the water for a week—and might inspire you to take up sailing classes yourself,” says Tina Huewe, US senior marketing executive with Dream Yacht Charter. “Older generations who might be past wanting to do all the work on board themselves might also enjoy this way of carefree cruising in breathtaking destinations.”
Cabin charters are available in 12 countries, usually aboard six-stateroom boats (each with its own head) that give everyone space to spread out and have privacy too. The packages come with scheduled itineraries, onboard meals and optional excursions. In French Polynesia and Thailand, more than one itinerary is available, giving guests the opportunity to discover different parts of the cruising grounds.
Frequent charterers might want to consider Dream Fractional, a program that allows for co-ownership of a sailing catamaran.
“This program makes being an owner a lot more affordable than regular ownership of a whole yacht,” Huewe explains. “Owners can potentially experience the thrill of yacht ownership and sail top destinations for less than the cost of chartering making this program popular with repeat charter guests.”
And, for charter clients interested in giving electric propulsion a try, Dream Yacht Worldwide now offers Fountain Pajot Aura 51 Smart Electric catamarans and Dufour 530 Smart Electric monohulls in five destinations throughout the Mediterranean.
These electric-powered charter yachts are based in some of the most popular ports along France’s Côte d’Azur, the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily, the city of Naples on the Italian mainland, and the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearics archipelago.
“By partnering and supporting the research and development of electric yachts, we can continue to make sailing accessible to people around the world but with a lower impact on our seas and environment,” Bonnet says. “Being environmentally conscious is central to our mission to protect our planet and oceans, and we are confident that our charter clients will support this endeavor.”
